Commander Worghrun's page

I'm okay, but I can't speak for the others.

"Don't let that smirk faze you, Commander. This worm is wriggling on a justified hook, don't mind the slime."

"Despite one's attitude towards the Ferengi, one would do well to heed the 48th Rule of Acquisition, Lieutenant," the klingon replies.

Captain Komin smiles, broadly, and turns directly to the Orion, but speaks to Worgruhn & Brevik, "Now that I have maneuvered Orion Cargo Unit #1 into admitting that the Orion crew members were, in fact rescued, AND sharing with us that he is not their captain, I really do need to go to sickbay. If you would, see if the others might want to share anything with you. With any luck, the only one that we will need to strand in deep space with a distress beacon aimed at Quo'nos is Unit #1."

As the captain exits the cargo bay, Commander Worghurn gives the Orion crewman a stern look. "You wish to be treated in the same manner that a group of humans would be treated?"

"Very well, the Klingon continues. His face betraying a hint of pleasure despite his tone turning more ominous. "But you should know, that the history of the treatment of humans by Klingons has not always been the most... cordial."

The commander eyes the Orions for a few moments longer, gaging their response, before turning to Vrek. Recalling the junior officer's background in diplomactic protocols, he notes, "Lieutenant Vrek, you have considerable familiarity with the various forms of the historic treatment of humans, do you not?"

Commander Worghrun glares at the Orion, but manages to stifle a growl. Through gritted teeth, he speaks. "You would be dead, if not for our... intervention."

The klingon continues, trying to keep his composure. "Unless we know who it was that was attacking your vessel, we cannot ensure that your life is not still in danger. It is within the interests of your survival to cooperate with the Captain and to answer his questions."

"Though, if you are suggesting that the brig would make for more appropriate accomodations for you, I would personally be quite...happy... to honor your preference. Surely, my superiors within Star Fleet would approve of such hospitality."

"Understood." nods Commander Worghrun. "Navigate the Attocha out of range of that storm front."

The klingon eyes the newly-created debris field on the viewscreen. "Their trap was not as clever as they thought. They will not trouble us again," he growls.

Can my character NOT be the party's punching bag?

Thank you for brining this to my attention. I apologize. I certainly did not intend at all to diminish Sunshine or turn the PC into a punching bag. Although my PC is insensitive, I should realize that I may come across that way as a player. PbP is great at allowing PCs to present their thoughts and inner monologues, but it is a poor medium for players to communicate their intentions and true feelings. I will try to rein in Worghrun accordingly as the last thing I want to do is make any player feel uncomfortable or unuseful.

I really enjoy the way you have been playing Sunshine and relate to her instantly as a PC that comes from a long tradition of characters in Star Trek and other genres of young, abrasive spitfires that have much to prove! She stands up for herself and doesn't allow herself to be ignored.

Given the random background rolled for Worghrun, I have tried to reconcile his klingon ferocity with his strict adherence to Starfleet protocols. In my headcanon, which I realize I have not done well at conveying as a player, his past failure was the result of his disregard for Starfleet's rules. His solution, and part of his "penitence" is to swing far the other way and demand strict adherence. I realized that this would put him in "conflict" with other PCs, but I did not realize that this was making other players uncomfortable.

Also in my headcanon, Worghrun deep down tries to reconcile his klingon heritage, the Way of the Warrior, with his decisions to be an officer in the more peaceful Starfleet. He feels that other klingons consider him "weak" due to his choice and he wants to show them that the fire of Kahless still surges within his blood! Along those lines, he wants to encourage other klingons in Starfleet to succeed to "prove" that Starfleet is as worthy of honor as the klingon fleet. However, he doesn't quite know how to do that tactfully, particularly as he stubbornly believes his way of doing things--what he [i[thinks[/i] is the Starfleet way, is the best way. He sees his "dressing down" of Sunshine as "encouragement".

Despite his feelings of certainty, Worghrun is a very flawed character and despite his "experience", rather naive. He takes things too literally, doesn't not understand humor, and has much room to develop and grow (which I thought appropriate for a "season 1" adventure). I am sorry that I have played him in a manner that is insensitive to other players.

Worghrun is not my first flawed and arrogant PC that I have played via PbP. When those other PCs act like jerks (and sometimes they really do), I expect--and encourage--the other PCs to knock them down a few pegs and put them in their place. I must admit, that I expected Sunshine, given her driven personality, to do the same.

However, what I did NOT take into account, is that those other flawed and arrogant PCs that I have played were NOT in positions of authority or command over any other PCs. As an equal, the other PCs could give back as well as they were given by my flawed PC--often better! But, I realize now that when the flawed PC is in a position of command, there is a different expectation.

I will try to tone down these flaws in Worghrun in the future. However, if you believe I am playing him in a way that crosses a line--or simply gets too close to one--please feel free to respond in character (giving Worghrun an opportunity to learn and grow) and/or out-of-character, either in discussion or via PM, so that I can adjust the PC more as necessary.

(By the way, I appreciate how ALL the players are presenting their PCs. This is a fun, interesting group and I hope to keep this group together for many adventures to come. A special shout out to our Captain as Komin's approach is so different from Worghrun's that it makes for some fun interactions and causes me to put a lot of thought into how a straight-forward warrior would react to more the Captain's more tempered and thoughtul approach.)

"Engineering here. What's the status? Computer shows transport was a success. The longer we stay here, the more we expose our ship to the field."

"I would expect a status report to come from Engineering, Ensign," Commander Worghrun snaps back over the comms. "But, I assure you, the ship will not need to be exposed to the field for much longer."

The klingon looks over at Ojo, then gives the command. "Destroy them."

A warning shot!?! The Commander swallows a klingon curseword and then orders.

"Ready phaser banks to fire a ... warning shot," barks Worghrun.

He pauses a few moments for compliance with the order, then commands."Fire."

"Commander, status report!"

"Fourteen Orions have been transported. Five to Cargo Hold One. Nine to Sick Bay for minor injuries." Commander Worghrun reports. "Security is en route."

"The Orion vessel is being dismantled by a secondary vessel. Phasers banks are charged. Photon torpedo launchers standing by for launch." A toothy grin forms on the klingon's face. "Shall I give the order to fire?"

"Commander, you can set up a mine field outside of Sick Bay if it seems prudent, we're rescuing the Orions. Yeoman, report to Sick Bay, stat."

"A mine field on a starship would hardly be...," The klingon begins to address the impracticality of the Captain's response. He then stops himself. "Ah, I see. Humor."

"Captain, until we have additional information, transporting a large party of Orions to this vessel is... ill-advised," chimes Commander Worghrun. His warrior instincts cannot shake the sense that the Starfleet vessel is succumbing to some sort of complex trap.

"However, if you... insist... on this course of action, a security detail should be dispatched to Sickbay immediately."

Thank you for your support. It is very much appreciated.

Unfortunately, my father-in-law passed away last week the day after we left for vacation. Although he had been in the hospital for the week prior for tests, we understood his condition to be "stable" before we had left.

He was a remarkable man and is deeply missed. His passing is hitting my family quite hard, especially having happened so soon after the loss of my mother just a few months ago.

I expect my posting to be a bit spotty for the next week or so. Please feel free to bot Worghrun as necessary.

Yes, please do take care of yourself and take whatever time you need, "Sunshine".

I have had some bad news in my family this week. My father-in-law has been the hospital for tests, was diagnosed with leukemia, and has begun chemo. My family is scheduled to leave for a week's vacation tomorrow, although that is a bit up in the air. Either way, my posting may be limited for at least the next week.

Please feel free to bot Commander Worghrun as needed.

"As expected, it is a trap," concludes Worghrun. "We need to remove this petaQ from the spacelanes."

The klingon does not bat as much as an eye when the universal translator inexplicably fails to translate the insult into Federation standard.

"See if you can acquire a lock for the Atocha's tractor beam," he orders. "As well as for its battery of photon torpedoes."

A toothy grin forms on the commander's other stern face. "After all, it is good to provide the Captain with... options."

"Security on alert," Commander Worghrun sharply orders.

"Scan the debris field," The klingon next issues instructions to the Chief Science Officer. "Check for any indications of active vessels. A warp signature, an impulse wake, lifeforms, anything that would tell us whether we have arrived at an ambush."

"We need to be prepared for anything." The commander releases a slight huff as he ponders to himself. I do not like having to rely on this one, but it would seem I have little choice at present.

He then speaks, though with an obvious hesistation. "Bridge to Engineering. I require options for securing the Orion vessel in distress. Given the condition of the vessel and the present geomagnetic storms, would it be viable to extricate the vessel by using a tractor beam without further compromise to the vessel's integrity? Alternatively, I need to know that the Atocha's shields will hold should we approach the vessel amidst the storms and that its hull will maintain its integrity should the shields be momentarily lowered to allow the use of transporters."

"Aye, sir." Commander Worghrun nods.

Exiting the Ready Room, he gives the order. "Helm, maintain course to the coordinates of the distress call. Maximum warp."

He turns to the Science Officer. "And calibrate our long-range scanners to detect any dangerous electromagnetic or gravimetric disturbances. I suspect you will find one within close proximity of our present course."

Commander Worghrun nods. "rIntaH. Qapla'!"

Worghrun takes a moment to inform the Captain of the Colonel's response.

He then asks the Colonel, "valbogh mu'tlheghvam Dabej'a'?"

Worghrun responds tersely to the Ch'rill in his native tongue. "jIyInmoHmeH jIyInmoHQo', qaH. Heghpu' ramjep, reH 'angpu' Hoch tlha' wIDIlqu'. QI'yaH, 'IHwI''e'. 'oy'law' vIHar. qeylIS HoD. Doch qechvam'e'."

Worghrun meets gaze of the Captain. The klingon begins trying to assess his superior's words. He responds with caution.

"What you have proposed, Captain, is highly...," The XO pauses. Beneath his ridged brow, his mind quickly considers a strategic response. His gaze never leaves that of the captain. "...irregular."

Kalos Komin has been serving at captain aboard the Atocha for only a short time. Yet, already he seeks to make the commander complicit in active designs to avoid official, diplomatic channels to circumvent Starfleet's standard operating protocols.

Why such lengths for secrecy? What are this man's intentions? The klingon ponders to himself. Surely, the Captain knows of my history. Is this a test of some kind? If so, to what end? A test of loyalty? Or one of trust? Does the captain have concerns about an infiltration by some conspiracy within Starfleet? It would not be first.

"If I am asked by the crew the reasons for such restrictions, what is it that you wish for me to tell them?"

When the yeoman approaches with the Captain's request, Commander Woghrun simply nods in response before heading to the Ready Room.

Once the doors slide open, the klingon enters. Seeing the Captain, he remains standing, as if at attention.

"Lieutenant Commander Thorinson has confirmed the source of the distress signal to be an Orion vessel--or, at least, the wreckage of one. Scans have detected the presence of a debris field." The klingon reports. He then pauses, as if catching himself, before pondering aloud. "Although, you could have obtained a report over comms. Therefore, I...suspect... that there is another reason that you have requested my presence."

d

Komin turns to his XO, "I need to call Narendra on this, and I would like to ask you a favor; if there were anyone you could reach on Qo'noS, or even personally, we need all the intel we can get. Anyone could be ahead of us out here, but the Orions weren't what I was expecting. Also: could you point Brevik in the right direction to review crew records for Orion affinity? Could be that we don't have anyone familiar, but it could be that we do. I want to know as soon as possible."

Kalos turns and heads into his Ready Room, "and reel in Engineering too. Ask Sunshine for an evaluation of Medical's capacity to handle complex alien casualties."

"Aye, sir," Worghrun replies. Though his brow seems to furrow when the captain mentions "Sunshine", he offers no words of protest.

"Yeoman Brevik," The klingon flags down the vulcan and begins giving orders. "I would like you to survey our current crew roster and identify any personnel that a record of being caught with contraband or displaying a gambling affliction." He pauses for a moment then adds, "You should also include any with a history of service along any of the Galadoran trade routes... Just in case."

Satisfied with the initial breadth of inquiry, Worghrun next ponders potential contacts on Qo'noS.
Insight 9 + Command 5: 2d20 ⇒ (17, 19) = 36

However, his thoughts drift away from his knowledge of contacts on the klingon homeworld and, instead, toward the klingon in engineering. Collecting himself, he taps his comm badge, "Bridge to Engineering. The Captain has requested that you provide an evaluation of Medical's capacity to handle complex alien casualties. I suggest that you both peruse the ship's records on its medical machinery as well as consult with the crew in Sickbay about both their expertise and confidence in the technology they have available."

"Acknowledged, Captain." The executive officer confirms over the comm system. He then conveys the orders to the bridge crew.

After doing so, he says to JT, "If we can ascertain from long-range scans whether the vessel in distress was transporting dangerous cargo or has succumbed to some space faring hazard, such advance information could prove... useful."

The Klingon pauses for a moment, ad if hesitant, then further suggests, "You may wish to... consult.. with engineering regarding the enhancements."

"Understood, Captain," Commander Worghrun responds.

He turns to the bridge crew. Upon receiving confirmation of the new course and any additional details the crew are able to provide, he gives the order to engage.

"I do not like this." The klingon mutters to no one in particular as he takes a seat in the center chair. "Command Ojo, I trust you have a set of security protocols for responding to distress signals that may be... suspect?"

"Orion?" repeats the Commander Worghrun, unable to mask his surprise. He directs JT, "Ascertain the nature of the signal, whether it is automated or does it appear that the Atocha has been singled out for the broadcast."

The klingon's ridged brow furrows further."Given what we know of the Syndicate, it is quite possibly a trap. Nevertheless, I believe we are... obliged... by Starfleet protocols to respond to a distress signal, regardless of its source."

"Lieutenant Imolko, utilize the long-range sensors to ascertain the signal's point of origin." The klingon barks, before turning to the conn. "Lieutenant Graal-Ker, calculate a course for navigation accordingly."

Worghrun taps his comm badge and reports, "Bridge to Captain Komin. We have received a distress signal. It is Orion in origin." The klingon pauses for a moment, whether for clarity or simply for drama is unclear. "Shall I order the alteration in course?"

For some reason, my campaigns thread wasn't showing any new posts in this thread.

Regardless, I am fine with taking the captain's suggestion.

The klingon gives a look at the betazoid captain, but says nothing.
Complication #2 looks like it may be worth the 2 Threat to avoid.

"I thought I'd mash buttons and see how she wiggled, captain," A grin escapes him, but he nods.

The klingon recites the tellarites words in Federation common."'Mash buttons and see'?"

Worghrun stands confused for a moment, before reaching a realization. "'Ah, an attempt at 'humor'."

"Mister Wordhrun, take us out!"

The klingon fixes his eyes straight ahead upon the starfield on the forward viewscreen, raises . "Engage."

"Lieutenant Imolko, we have our orders. Chart a course for the Avoila System," Commander Worghrun instructs. The klingon snorts pensively, then adds, "Then, notify Engineering to be prepared to get underway."

"Lieutenant Graal-Ker, I trust you are comfortable at your assigned station?" Though phrased as a question, the klingon relays it more as a statement, not waiting for a response.

"Bridge to Captain Komin, your presence is requested." Worghrun's words follow the chime emitted upon activating his communicator. Being one who favors protocol begins, he declares, "The Federation Starship, USS Atocha, is ready for departure."

"We must prioritize the well-being of all of those under our protection, Ensign," Commander Worghrun replies with a growl, stressing the rank. "Not just my 'ability to breathe', not merely the breath of one single individual. To that end, we must maintain the effective defensive and combat capabilities of this vessel as they serve not just this crew, but the whole of Starfleet and the Federation. We must be willing to place ourselves in harms way, if necessary, in order to protect the services and institutions to which we have pledged ourselves. That is not simply what is demanded by our oath to Starfleet. It is also what is dictated by honor."

It is clear from the way that klingon emphasized the words "my", "ourselves", and "honor", that his annoyance or ire had been brought to the surface by something more than simply some "processing speed issue".

"Is that understood?"

"All systems operational and pre-flight checks completed. There was a slight issue with tactical's software, but it has been resolved as of a few minutes ago."

"What is it that you mean by 'slight issue', Commander?" Worghrun inquires. The stern-faced Klingon begins heading to the security station with clear interest.

"Pardon, Commander. Suffice to say I'm honored and delighted to serve here."

"You need not be concerned, Commander," replies the executive officer as the turbolift doors open, "For I did not think otherwise."

The klingon turns and steps on the bridge and heads directly for the captain's chair. "You are relieved, Commander Ojo," he says matter-of-factly to the andorian. "I am now assuming command of the bridge."

"Commander Vrek is assuming flight command," he continues, remaining on his feet.

"Yeoman Brevik," he motions to the vulcan carrying a datapad. "You have duties to fulfill." The klingon then relays the captain's orders and confirms the vulcan knows of the necessary logging procedures and promotional protocols.

Vrek like all tellarites is ready to debate if allowed , "Respectfully Captain, there are perfectly good reasons to..." Then something hits him. "Aye, Captiain." He says a bit confused Did I.. just get promoted?

He'll check his files when he can to verify.

Klingon promotions are so much more... direct, concludes Commander Worghrun.

"Come," is all the klingon says as he heads for the turbolift, clearly expecting the tellarite to follow.

"Bridge," he instructs the ship's controls, as the doors to the turbolift close behind the two. As the droning hum of the rising turbolift begins, Commander Worghrun draws upon his Starfleet training and experience to find the right words for the present situation. Finally, he breaks his silence.

"Congratulations, Commander Vrek," he says bluntly. "Though I was not consulted on the decision, I must agree that your shuttle capabilities have proven to be most..." Worghrun pauses for a moment as if trying to find the right word, before settling upon, "adequate."

"Shall me be departing for the Atocha then, Captain?" Commander Worghrun says. His tone, though polite and professional, provides only the thinnest disguises over the Klingon's impatience.

Captain Komin is meeting Commander Worghrun and Lieutenant (jg) Grall-Ker in the station's hanger deck.

Commander Worghrun is arriving from the lower levels officially known as the "Klingon Training Facility" where he had been asked to meet with General Kargan, the Klingon co-commander of the station and region, in the Bloodwine Hall.

It was good to speak with the General, thinks Commander Worghrun. Though, by way of happenstance the Klingon had been raised on a Federation world, he had long admired the relative "simplicity" of Klingon hierarchy and command. Despite having risen through the ranks of Starfleet, which recognized the value of honor in its own way, the views of the Klingons on the subject seemed better aligned with his own.

Even before rising to his current rank, Worghrun had learned that a Klingon first officer was expected to kill a superior office who had become weak or unable to perform their duties. He wished he had been able to put such a lesson into practice during that one, previous assignment. Since then, he has altered his view all of each of his superiors, been prepared to continually question and push them in order to satisfy himself that his superior was fit to lead and would not force him to betray his ideals.

Death will come, Worghrun vows to himself, before that occurs again.

Spying Captain Komin, Worghrun heads across the hangar deck to join him.

"Greetings, Captain Komin," the executive officer says, exhibiting a formal politeness that he has observed throughout his Starfleet career, even as he sizes up his superior.

First Officer Woghrun reporting for duty.